Marin County Public Health Status Update for October 03, 2025, includes Government Shutdown; Tylenol in Pregnancy: Safe, Effective, and Backed by Science; Preserving Vaccine Choice to Protect Marin’s Children; Ebola Advisory: What Marin Residents Should Know; Be Ready: Wildfire, Smoke, and Heat Safety Tips; West Marin Community Health and Wellness Fairs; Help Shape Marin County’s New Respiratory Virus Dashboard; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
The Marin County Public Health Status Update is published on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to share local news and resources on public health priorities.
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Government Shutdown
As the federal government shutdown continues, Marin County Public Health is working to protect access to critical health services. Programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), which provides nutrition support for pregnant women, infants, and children, depend on federal funding. Local WIC leadership is working closely with the State of California to ensure families continue to receive WIC benefits without interruption. Essential programs continue, but the combined impact of federal vaccine policy and the shutdown has disrupted supply, and the County has not received COVID-19 vaccines. At this time, only flu vaccine will be available at county vaccine clinics.
Tylenol in Pregnancy: Safe, Effective, and Backed by Science
Medical experts worldwide agree that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe and the best first choice for treating pain or fever during pregnancy. Decades of research show no link between acetaminophen use and autism, developmental delays, or reproductive problems. The real risks come from untreated pain or fever, which can harm both parent and baby. Health professionals consistently recommend acetaminophen when needed, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest time. Pregnant patients can feel confident that Tylenol, when used correctly, protects their health and their baby’s health.
Preserving Vaccine Choice to Protect Marin’s Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians support offering the MMRV vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) for children aged 1 to 12 years old. Used safely for nearly 20 years, with almost 100 million doses administered, MMRV reduces the number of shots kids need, making visits easier for families. A federal committee recently recommended separate doses for children under 4, citing a minimal increase in rare, brief febrile seizures. Both MMR and MMRV vaccines can sometimes cause febrile seizures; however, the risk is slightly higher with MMRV. Therefore, healthcare providers have always counseled parents on the risks and benefits of each vaccine. Marin County Public Health remains committed to providing families with clear, science-based guidance and safe access to vaccines that protect children from serious but preventable diseases.
Ebola Advisory: What Marin Residents Should Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a new Ebola outbreak in the Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. So far, 37 cases and 19 deaths have been confirmed. While the risk to the U.S. is very low, Ebola is another reminder that global health events can affect us locally. Travel can also bring exposure to other serious illnesses, such as measles. Marin County Public Health works with hospitals and clinics to stay prepared for these rare but high-risk threats. Before traveling internationally, check CDC travel health recommendations to protect yourself and your community. Learn more at Marin County Public Health’s Healthcare Preparedness Program.
Be Ready: Wildfire, Smoke, and Heat Safety Tips
As we enter the peak of wildfire season in Marin, hot, dry weather and strong winds increase the risk of fires. Power outages are likely and can be hazardous for individuals who rely on oxygen, refrigerated medications, or other electric medical devices. Smoke and poor air quality are also common during fire season and can exacerbate asthma, COPD, or heart conditions. Keep medicines easily accessible, use a well-fitting mask outdoors, and stay indoors with filtered air whenever possible. Extreme heat may happen at the same time, putting older adults and people with chronic illnesses at higher risk. Find tips and resources: https://www.marinhhs.org/wildfire-air-quality
West Marin Community Health and Wellness Fairs
Take charge of your health at the West Marin Community Health and Wellness Fairs, happening from 3:00–6:00 PM at locations across West Marin:
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Bolinas Community Center: Friday, October 3
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Tomales Town Hall: Thursday, October 9
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San Geronimo Valley Community Gym: Thursday, October 16
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Dance Palace Community Center (Point Reyes Station): Monday, October 20.
Access free flu vaccines, vision exams, basic health screenings, community resources, emergency preparedness information, free food, and much more. Please note that COVID-19 vaccine availability is currently unknown and depends on federal allocation. Flyers are available in English and Spanish.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages. Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.
Help Shape Marin County’s New Respiratory Virus Dashboard
We’re creating a one-stop page for COVID-19, flu, RSV, and wastewater data. Your input will help us make it useful, relevant, and easy to navigate. The survey is anonymous, takes only 5–10 minutes to complete, and should be filled out only once. Take the survey: https://forms.gle/wJW4VMarwAE5TqCe6
Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels
|
Virus Type |
COVID |
Influenza |
RSV |
|||
|
Levels and Trends |
Level |
Trend |
Level |
Trend |
Level |
Trend |
|
All Sites Combined |
Moderate
|
Decreasing |
Minimal |
Plateau |
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Central Marin/San Rafael* |
Moderate
|
Decreasing
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Las Gallinas) |
Moderate
|
Decreasing
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
|
Marin (Novato) |
Moderate
|
Decreasing
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
Minimal
|
Plateau
|
*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax.
|
|
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses.
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Community Supports and Services
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Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide
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The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.
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Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Public Benefits
BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.
Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
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Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)
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Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115
Stay Informed
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